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Diarrhea and vomit

Anyone have any problems with FreshPet soft cat food. Poor Amani has thrown up (all brown like the soft food and a bit of grass) and has (really stinky) diarrhea. Prior to him having diarrhea, I gave him some laxatone for hairballs, which he was not interested in. His housemate Niko-san is not having any problems and has eaten the same food (perhaps not in the same quantity) without any complications. Recently they shared a tuna steak (about a week ago) and I have weaned them off of temptations and they only get freeze dried chicken for treats. My normally quiet boy is verbal when in the litter box and just wandering around the house. He wants to go outside perhaps to eat more grass. Any suggestions? Could it be as simple as new food? He has been so healthy all his life (5yo).
 

Brigitte Cowell

Moderator
Staff member
If you have suddenly changed his food then yes, it could be as simple as the new food. Some cats simply have more sensitive systems just like some humans do. So when introducing a new food, it should be done gradually, add a spoonful of the new canned food to the old food in the meal, do that for a few days, then add a second spoonful...gradually increasing the proportion of new to old food. If the cat shows loose stools take a step back, wait until he adjusts again and start the process again slowly. Of course it is possible the ingredients of this new food (I don't know it) might not agree with him.

If he continues to vomit and have diarrhea, please do monitor for dehydration as this might be a more serious thing like infection. Giardia for example can be in our tap water in very low levels.
 
I placed the new food in a different location, so they had to make an effort to try something new. I had left a half portion for about 3-4 days and they eventually ate it. One the 5th day I put out a larger portion and sometime after that Amani got ill. He seems to be better now and I also though the stress from fireworks could have contributed to his discomfort. Being lazy while ill is not a good option for the boys. The boys were happy to get their first walk in days and I was thrilled to be well enough to venture outside.
 

Rob1984

Savannah Super Cat
as bridgette was saying did you mix his food little by little or just try to switch completely in one try ? and you said its soft food you are switching them to i don't think it should be left out for 3-4 days
 

Brigitte Cowell

Moderator
Staff member
Agreed with Rob that leaving out moist meat products for days is not a good idea. I'm not surprised that one of your cats got ill, I'm surprised both didn't. Maybe Amani ate more of that old canned food...
 
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